Question on increasing performance

[WannaTheater]

I'm experimenting with my home theater, and I have a few questions on experiences with XL performance. My HTPC is 3.4Ghz, w/2G RAM. I am currently connecting to XL remotely using laptops and Dell axim (Wireless 802.11b or 802.11g, depending on device). For data, I have the following:

1) *LOTS* of CDs, all with coverart (50-150 KB per cover)
2) About 300 Movies, all with coverart (10-150KB per cover) - Databased in XAnt

Problem:
When I try to start XL in "Fast Interface Mode" it hangs. I don't recall it doing this before I was using "High Resolution" coverart... (Before I was just using the coverart pulled from mp3 tags)

Does anyone know (technically) what the difference is between "Fast" and "Slow" interfaces. I would prefer to start in "Fast," but currently I cannot.

Thanks!

[dalanik]

Hehe, no it most probably didn't hang it just takes forever to boot it in fast interface....

fast interface is, IMHO, trying to cache all databases and coverart, and when once starts, is really really fast on scrolling throught category.

"slow" interface doesn't cache images on xlobby startup. But it needs to read them from disk AS you scroll through category.

Now, even though this is supposed to be slow, I find if fast enough. I have P4 3.2Ghz/1Gb RAM, and it performs just OK IMHO. Fast mode takes like 10-15 minutes to start! This was too much for me, so I don't use it. It probably swaps to disk as mad, but on the other hand if you have 2Gb RAM, then this doesn't need to be a problem for you.

Be patient, run it in fast mode, and then go for lunch

I have 8000 photos in my DB, 4000 mp3's, 1200 movies, 500 games, all with 600x600 pixel coverart, so I understand why it takes so long....

D.